Diet-derived vitamin A (retinol) is first stored in tissues as retinyl esters (RE), which, through hydrolysis and controlled oxidative metabolism generate bioactive retinoids, including retinoic acid (RA). Retinoic acid is a critical regulator of cell differentiation. For the lungs, RA is crucial for normal postnatal alveolar development and maturation. RA is the only small molecule shown to induce lung alveolar septation (septal outgrowth), which is required for development of full respiratory capacity. RA also has shown therapeutic benefits in models of adult lung emphysematous disease and tissue regeneration after surgery. Our central hypothesis is: A nutrient-metabolite combination , VARA, comprised of vitamin A and its hormone-like metabolite all-trans-RA, will act synergistically to promote RE formation in the lungs of neonates. VARA-induced RE formation may establish conditions beneficial for endogenous production of retinoids, and facilitate alveolar remodeling (septation).
In Aim 1 we will test the hypothesis that VARA synergistically increases RE in the lungs by examining: (1a) the effectiveness of several retinoids to synergize with retinol;(1b) whether the uptake by the lungs of newly absorbed VA contained in chylomicrons is increased in the presence of RA;and (1c) whether inflammation, a concomitant factor in lung immaturity, modifies or attenuates the synergistic response we have observed in the lungs of neonates treated with VARA.
In Aim 2 we will examine functional outcomes of VARA treatment, through studies of time-dependent gene expression and localization of key factors (LRAT, CYP26B1, and DHRS3, a retinal reductase) in the lungs and liver. Finally, in this aim will also test whether VARA improves lung maturation in a clinically relevant model of glucocorticoid-inhibited alveolar septation. These two integrated aims will provide new knowledge regarding the potential of VARA to promote cellular differentiation and organ maturation, and ameliorate impaired postnatal lung development.

Public Health Relevance

The combination of vitamin A and retinoic acid, VARA, through its ability to increase a stable pool of retinyl esters in the lungs, may establish conditions that are conducive to lung maturation and repair. VARA thus appears to have clinical potential for preventing neonatal bronchopulmonary dysplasia, treating lung damage later in life, and, potentially, for cancer chemoprevention. By revealing the molecular effects of vitamin A, RA, and VARA on genes and enzymes in the lungs in an animal model, this research will establish whether VARA warrants further preclinical testing as a therapy for newborns at high risk of chronic lung disease, and for repair of lung injury or chemoprevention in adults.